1930 Willys Knight 70B Sedan

The 70-B series was introduced in 1929 and lasted into 1931, when Willys-Overland at last ended its fidelity to the sleeve-valve engine. In 1929 Willys-Overland brought out the Willys-Knight Great Six as a larger, more opulent series to challenge the luxury market in a final attempt to establish a Knight-engined car there.

The company had briefly owned and directed the destiny of Stearns-Knight, that other fine make that had devoted itself to the sleeve-valve engine. Though Stearns was an old and noble luxury car maker, it had only recently modernized its line with a new double-sleeve-valved, straight-eight engine and chassis to match. A choice of attractive but conservative custom coach work bodies was offered, but this was not enough to save the ailing company from collapsing at the first hint of the Great Depression.

Now the Willys-Knight Great Six line carried the sleeve-valve torch, supported by the lesser 70-B series. A Great Six sedan was priced at $1,795 in 1930, with the lesser 70-B sedan priced at $1,195.

Willys-Knight production ended in November 1932 (model year 1933) when the company, in receivership, stopped building higher priced cars, and instead focused on the manufacture of the inexpensive but durable Willys 77.